LAWRENCE- INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AT MERRIMACK STREET AND SOUTH BROADWAY (ROUTE 28)

The project is located on South Broadway at the intersection with Merrimack Street Project limits on S Broadway begin approx 350 feet north of Merrimack St and ends approx 225 feet south of Merrimack Street. Project limits along Merrimack St begin at S.Broadway and extend approximately 300 feet east to meet the improvements currently under construction by the City through the MassWorks Program. The proposed improvements are intended to enhance safety and operations at the intersection and provide improved pedestrian and bicycle accommodations The existing traffic signal system will be replaced to meet current standards with vehicle detection side street split phasing time-of-day timing plans, accessible pedestrian signals, and emergency vehicle preemption. Under the recommended alternative, an exclusive left-turn lane will be introduced on the southbound approach to facilitate protected-permissive left-turn phasing, given the high volume of southbound left-turns (33% of southbound movements) and proposed timing will be optimized. Under the recommended alternative, bicycle accommodations will consist of bike lanes on South Broadway and Merrimack Street. Pedestrian accommodations will consist of reconstructing sidewalks for ADA compliance, installation of accessible pedestrian signals, and installation of accessible curb ramps. Crosswalks and all other pavement markings will be re-striped and updated and a new crosswalk will be installed at the intersection of Merrimack Street and Carver Street. Storm drainage will be updated at the intersection to accommodate the proposed geometry and opportunities to facilitate future separation of storm and sanitary sewer systems along S. Broadway will be evaluated and incorporated if feasible. Access management measures will also be evaluated and implemented where feasible, for adjacent driveways. The lanes along the northbound approach of S. Broadway will include a shared 10-foot through/left turn lane, a 5-foot bike lane, and a 10-foot exclusive right turn lane. The southbound approach of S. Broadway will include an 11-foot exclusive left turn lane an 11-foot shared through/right turn lane and a 5-foot bike lane. The Merrimack St. approach will consist of two 11-foot vehicular lanes including a straight/left turn lane, a right turn only lane, and a 5-foot bike lane. Sidewalk that varies from 5.5-feet to 9.5-feet is proposed on both sides of all approaches to the intersection. The existing pavement is proposed to be resurfaced with a structural mill and overlay as well as full depth pavement at areas of minor roadway widening. All pavement markings and signs within the project limits will be upgraded to be compliant with the MUTCD.